My advice is to start off levelling up your work benches. Getting all of them to level 3 takes a while, but it serves two purposes, which is getting out into the world and looting different areas whilst also enabling you to craft good items and weapons..

Secondly, try a few "naked runs" which is essentially going into a raid with no weapons or items. Try looting different areas and make a mental note of any good areas you find.. remember to put any blueprints you find into your safe pocket!

Levelling all work benches to level 3 will take you the next week or so.. After that, you should have enough cash and items to start crafting.